Arriving at Chepstow Castle a couple of hours before doors, there is a plentiful supply of t-shirts proudly worn for H.E.A.T, Tyketto and Dare, the bands on today’s bill.
Tyketto – Dare
Chepstow Castle, Chepstow – 17 August 2024
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
It’s evident by the gaps in the crowd after their set that many have come purely for the hour of quality that is laid down by Tyketto. They win the shirt contest by about four to one, and the front of the stage is straining under the weight of eager fans as Danny Vaughn and co hit the stage to Remember My Name. 
Following Dare isn’t easy, but this is like watching a Fiat Punto race a Ferrari. The New Yorkers have gears the other bands on this bill simply do not possess, and in their allotted hour, Tyketto raise the bar to almost unreachable levels. Vaughn remains the ultimate frontman, his ability to reach into the soul of everyone in the venue incredible. You genuinely feel that he is talking to you as he chats between songs. 
Of course, having a solid line-up around you helps, and newbies Johnny Dee (drums) and lead guitarist Harry Scott sit nicely into the band. Dee provides a bit of unpredictable chaos, later joining the band out-front for a singalong where his clapping proves to be less coordinated than his drumming. 
Longer established keyboard player Ged Rylands and bassist Greg Smith add depth to the band’s sound. It is Vaughn who is Tyketto though, and as he explains to the new Tyketto fans about the traditions during Lay Your Body Down, he is clearly having a great time. 
There is only one song to finish the set, though, and the band have the whole arena singing to Forever Young as they close out a fantastic and uplifting set. The band hit the road in a month with Little Ceaser and Dan Byrne, and if you are in their area, it’s worth popping along.
Dare
Way back in 1985, Thin Lizzy keyboard player Darren Wharton formed Dare with guitarist Vinny Burns. The two remain the mainstay of a band who have continued to follow a pathway of melodic hard rock for nearly 40 years. 
The crowd may be still filing in when the band hit the stage, but it is soon evident that many in the crowd are familiar with the rich melodic tones that Dare deliver.
They have a wide catalogue to choose from, with albums dating back to 1988’s Out Of The Silence through to the recent Road Of Eden and choose selected cuts from across their catalogue. Wharton, who along with some of the band, was out on the road as Renegade recently, is a warm and endearing frontman, grateful for the crowd’s engagement, continuing to beam from ear to ear throughout. 
The band is skilled, crafting their songs with professional ease and style. A snatch of Black Rose guitar work weaved into the set is noted, allowing Burns to show his dexterity as he takes on the dual guitar role with panache.
An hour flies by, and suddenly, there are a mere four minutes left. Confusion reigns on stage as there is discussion about a final song – we are promised a Thin Lizzy song in memory of Phil Lynott. 
Strange then, that the band eventually launch into Rosalie, the Bob Seger song that Lizzy made their own. A bit of head-scratching in this area at the choice, but the crowd are happy singing along.
One begins to wonder if Dare will ever leave the stage, but eventually, they troop off, leaving us with a reminder of their class.
